Management Matters

Over the past fifteen years, outsourcing has been an increasingly common practice allowing businesses to reduce costs and therefore pour resources into growth. However, with the upheaval of the last eighteen months, business as usual has seen its foundations shaken and reshaped. Is outsourcing still the best option, or should businesses be trying to claim more of the value chain for themselves? Should they still be offshoring, or will nearshoring bring greater profits in the future?

The insights from Tom Wujec's design exercise are what makes this video worth watching. For instance: Kindergarten students are among the best builders, while recent graduates of business school are among the worst. Oh, and CEOs perform better if executive administrators are added to their team (somehow, that's not even remotely surprising).

Back in September, my MailGuard colleague Kevin Reed and I popped along to Super Connect September – a marketing and networking event jointly hosted by Anthill and Green Ant Marketing. We didn’t know what to expect as we stepped out into the unknown but we were on the hunt for some juicy marketing insights.

Exist interviews can rapidly devolve into something similar to a post-breakup inquisition. The disillusioned employee provides an autopsy of their disillusionment before a chastened ex-manager. Why not conduct ‘stay interviews’ to gauge and, if necessary, mend the attitudes of still-engaged employees?

Blackbird Venctures, the Sydney based venture capital firm, has raised a $25 million tranche of cash to invest into early stage startups. If you’re an...

You must be an Anthill Academy member to view this course. Sign up below.

[notice]UNLOCK COURSESWHAT'S THE ACADEMY? [LEARN MORE][/notice]

[notice]MEMBERS ONLYLOGIN TO ACCESS THE ACADEMY [MEMBERS ONLY][/notice]

Anthill contributor and web marketing extraordinaire Mick Liubinskas recently posted this short vlog on the Pollenizer blog. In it, he highlights the difference between having a web product that works (all the widgets and clicks behave as they should) and having a web business that works – i.e. one that can win and retain customers and staff.

Michael Fox of Shoes0fprey.com revealed his penchant for designing stilettos. Jeremy Levitt of PodProperty and Service Seeking proudly informed the crowd that he enjoys cold-calling. Kirsty Black of Halo Headphones explained why she turned down $500,000 and went sailing instead. Julie Sweet of Certificates Online shared inspiration from Buddha and explained what she'd do with five thousand.

While Australians have come to expect a casual approach to service, visitors aren’t so forgiving. “Having recently been in the USA, the standard of customer service there is great, staff actually want to help you,” says Australian marketing manager Jessica Hannant. “Here the sales assistant doesn't get off the phone to her friend to even serve you at the checkout.” Are things here getting worse?

2013 was a remarkable year for YouTube ads – the entertainment, soft-sell and educational ads have well and truly taken over, while blatant, sales...

There are eight keys to success. The thing is, even if you follow them and achieve success, you may still fail. Why? Well, because success is...

What does Google love? Frequent content. Recent content. Quality content.

Pete Williams has created a series of techniques to make content creation easy, repeatable and also highly monetisable. Learn how Pete is able to transform one item of compelling content into 30... including videos, podcasts, educational courses and much more.

[notice]LEARN MORE[/notice]

[notice]SIGN UP NOW[/notice]

As the end of the financial year (EOFY) draws closer, many SMEs report they are not waiting until after June 30 to get their...

SPONSORED: For small businesses, technology can make the difference in driving your company ahead providing better service, innovation and value for your customers. Konica...

Here are five can't-miss ways to make Michael Scott look like Manager of the Year, along with suggestions on how to avoid them. In other words, avoid these tips with the same fervour as you would a Justin Beiber concert.

In late 2011, Oliver hatched a plan to hold a unique fundraising event. Having found out about the amazing support a friend received while undergoing...

We've all seen ads on YouTube. Ones that are a direct cut from television or, ones that have been created especially for online broadcast. This...

Call me crazy but we've recently offered 'pay what you think it's worth' (PWYT) terms to selected customers.

Do I need to introduce who Guy Kawasaki is? Probably but, if you're not sure - check out just some of his life story...

Leon and Garry look at how the RBA has cleared the way for an August election by keeping rates on hold at 4.5%. Inflation is building a head of steam with the latest jobs figures showing unemployment now at 5.1% and the ANZ jobs series showing more companies are hiring.